Victor Palomino has come to Magnolia Beach for the past three years. He catches live bait right before his fishing adventure. And occasionally, he's successful. One time he caught a 25-inch fish. The El Campo resident also enjoys relaxing, barbecuing and meeting new people. "I like it here," he said. "The people are really friendly."

JET SKIING

Juanita Hoffman Jet Skis on the beach in her Kawasaki. For the last eight years, the La Grange resident has visited Magnolia Beach at least once a month. She'll ride the waves if there's room. Even with a packed beach, she still enjoys herself.

"When it's crowded, we can watch the people. When it's deserted, we can Jet Ski," she said.

SWIMMING

Going to the beach has been a Cummins family tradition for many years. Marolyn and Jim Cummins, of Port Lavaca, had a special treat this weekend. Their son, Shannon Cummins, came to visit with his children from Alpine, Texas. The beach has been a great way for this family to beat the heat.

"It's a great way to stay cool. The water makes a difference," said Shannon Cummins.

PLAYING VOLLEYBALL

Daniel Delrio drove three hours to have fun in the sun. The Austin resident said Magnolia Beach came highly recommended. Delrio and his friends played volleyball on the beach while listening to high-tempo music. "It's pretty fun. There's a couple of things to do," he said.

CAMPING

Tonya Sanchez and Kari Eikehaug are neighbors and longtime friends. They live just five miles from the beach. In the RV, they have space for grandkids, pets and barbecue pits. Both have noticed the changes to Magnolia Beach over the years. Eikehaug said the traffic used to be bumper-to-bumper and the young people had contests to see whose speakers played the loudest. Although the numbers have decreased, she has remained faithful to this location. "It's my R&R (rest and relaxation)," she said.

Her friend Sanchez said Magnolia is a bargain. "Rich and famous people pay a lot of money to stay in a place like this. I'll always come back here."

BARBECUING

Meranda Brooks has come with her family to the picnic area since 2005. The 17-year-old from Victoria likes the fact Magnolia provides grills for the Brooks bunch. Having shade is an added bonus. "It's quiet and relaxing, not loud and crowded," she said.

DINING

The Indianola Fishing Marina is just a few miles from the Magnolia Beach. Kirt Karnei brought his son, Kolton Karnei, for the first time. The Victoria residents said the marina is a neat place with historical significance. Their German ancestors settled in the area many years ago. The father-son duo had been wade fishing in the region since 5 a.m. Although, they didn't have much luck. They still managed to enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurant. "It's a cool place. Even if you can't catch anything, you can still eat here," said Kolton.

DANCING

The Indianola Fishing Marina is quite the hot-spot in the evening. Local band Hiway 316, gets the crowd jamming and fishing to their rock-a-billy music. Members of the band enjoy the people and the atmosphere.

"We love it here. Everybody's in a good mood," said singer Jenny Schubert.

Magnolia Beach is a hidden jewel in the Crossroads. It's about 35 miles from Victoria and can be an inexpensive, quick escape from city life.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

Even businesses like coming to this quiet sanctuary. Sally Martinez, has driven her Frozzen Delights truck down the coast since 2001.

The children are her greatest joy. "I love seeing the kids' reactions. They're always jumping up and down."

On the shell-lined beach, you'll see people involved in just about everything. With the school year approaching, this Calhoun County beach can be a great staycation.